down of the
tissues which ends in emaciation.

~Weight~ is an index to health. Any persistent loss of weight on the
part of an adult or loss or even failure to gain in a growing child,
are indications that all is not right and immediate measures must be
taken to locate and relieve the trouble.

~Loss of Weight~ due to pathological conditions can only be relieved
by removing the cause, after which the diet may be adjusted to suit
the condition.

~Dietetic Treatment~ is practically the only means of combating and
overcoming emaciation, since it is by food alone that the body is
built.

Fat-forming foods, which in obesity were prohibited, have a prominent
place in the diet for emaciation. Padding the nerves and organs with a
layer or covering of fat protects them from the jars and shocks
incidental to daily life, besides lending grace and contour to the
body.

~Foods Which Produce Fat~ are nutrient beverages of all sorts; milk,
malted milk and cream are especially valuable; water, because of its
particular properties and functions in the body; and fruit beverages,
which are made chiefly of water and sugar, are always included in the
dietary. Milk and cream, soups and milk gruels, as well as all dishes
made with milk or cream, add materially to the fat-forming quality of
the diet. Butter, olive and other salad oils, as well as cereals,
potatoes, bread and simple desserts are advised. The diet must be
bountiful, the meals frequent, and lunches consisting of milk or cream
with crackers will hasten the gain in weight.

~Rest~, preferably lying down, is absolutely essential. A period of
relaxation covering from fifteen to thirty minutes should be taken
before or after each meal. The body derives the use of the food for
the storage of fat which would otherwise be required to cover its
energy expenditures.

~Sleep~ is essential to gain, consequently the patient should retire
early and take one or two naps during the day.

~Baths~ should be warm, not hot, followed by a cold shower or sponge.

~Exercise~ must be mild in character; over-exertion precludes a gain
in weight and exhaustion undermines the forces which make it possible
for the body to store fat as adipose tissue.

~Nervous Excitement and Worry~ must be avoided.

~Gastro-intestinal Disturbances~ should be guarded against, since all
the pounds gained through months of treatment may be quickly lost
during one acute attack of diarrhea or auto-intoxication.